The Northwest Way
Passion Makes Progress
The Northwest Way Since 1980
At The Northwest School, our founders envisioned an education that produced socially responsible citizens who actively contribute to their community.
To achieve this goal, they crafted a curriculum centered on values such as Social Justice, Environmental Sustainability, and Global Perspective.
Today, these principles remain an integral part of our educational philosophy and shape how we prepare our students for the future. We believe that every student has the potential to make a positive impact in the world, and we strive to instill in them the confidence and skills necessary to do so.
The Northwest Way Today
Today we prioritize the five values defined below. By prioritizing these values, we strive to cultivate a culture of respect, inclusivity, and social responsibility. This culture, in turn, equips our students with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively navigate complex global challenges.
What we Value
Social Justice
We believe in engaging in dialogue and action to create a future where everyone has access to the opportunities, privileges, and resources necessary to achieve their full potential.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We warmly welcome individuals and families who represent a wide variety of identities into our classrooms and community, and we are committed to fair treatment, full access and a sense of belonging and empowerment for everyone.
Environmental Sustainability
We believe that Environmental Sustainability and social justice are inextricably linked. We learn and take action as a community, contributing to a more sustainable planet and future.Global Perspective
We believe that having an in-depth understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures prepares students for a diverse and interconnected world, so we provide unparalleled opportunities for students to develop into global citizens through engagement, immersion, and study.
Community & Belonging
We believe connection and collaboration create opportunities for everyone to gain a sense of belonging and responsibility to the community we're building together.
The awareness I gained from my high school experience at Northwest, about social justice and equity is foundational to my work in healthcare. I see health and health care as a social issue. Health impacts every aspect of our lives, and those who are most in need of healthcare services are often the people who have less access, resources and social support to improve their health; and they feel less empowered to take charge of their healthcare decisions. If we want to improve as a community, we need to change that, which is why I work in public health.
Learning Communities
At The Northwest School, we are committed to creating a learning environment that goes beyond the classroom and fosters civic engagement, leadership, collaboration, and research. Our Learning Communities are one of the ways we put this commitment into action.